Now, the Pixel 9 series is officially launched and brings a whole new member to the Pixel "family".
Google has just announced its new line of high-end phones for 2024. Unlike previous generations - usually introduced in October, the Pixel 9 series was officially "unveiled" in August.
Notably, this year, the public has three new Pixel models: the standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL and the new member - Pixel 9 Pro.
Standard Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro.
The Pixel 9 Pro is very similar in size to last year's Pixel 8 Pro. On the other hand, its "brother" version, the Pixel 9 Pro, packs all the Pro features into a smaller body.
The flagships are available for pre-order starting at $799. They are expected to officially hit the market on August 22.
Design
The Pixel 9 introduces a new design that will set the tone for the Pixel phones of the future. The frame has become flatter, while the corners of the Pixel 9 are slightly curved. Google says this new design makes the new Pixel 9 twice as durable as previous generations.
The Pixel 9 Pro models have a matte glass back, which is more resistant to fingerprints, while the Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back and a matte frame.
What's more, the camera module design has been reshaped, housed in a protruding oval camera cluster located at the top center of each Pixel 9 model.
The bezels around the display are also thinner and more uniform, giving the Pixel 9 series a more refined look.
Furthermore, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen has become much more accurate and faster than the optical sensor from previous versions. This is the same biometric technology as Samsung's high-end smartphones .
Hardware and specifications
First, the Pixel 9 series comes with the Tensor G4 chip, which will deliver the latest AI experiences that run smoother than ever. The Tensor G4 chip was designed specifically for Google with the Google Deepmind team, and it's the first processor to run the multimodal Gemini Nano, which all Pixel 9 phones support. Multimodal support means that Google's new phones can understand not only text, but also images, audio, and speech.
Pixel 9 trio specifications.
The chip will also be more power efficient, offering 20% longer battery life when actively used with the display always on and about 25% longer when the display is off.
Google has also updated the RAM. The Pixel 9 now has 12GB of RAM, while the Pixel 9 Pro has 16GB. However, most of the RAM will be dedicated to AI functions, so these phones will essentially have less memory.
Software
Google says the new Gemini is designed to be helpful and handle complex tasks without sending users’ data to third-party AI companies. Gemini will use data on its owner’s phone to provide personalized assistance, such as scheduling appointments, writing messages, and summarizing documents.
Google is also introducing a new feature with the Pixel 9 Pro models called Gemini Live. This feature allows users to have natural conversations with the Gemini AI assistant. Users can interrupt or change the subject during a conversation and Gemini will adapt seamlessly.
Not only that, the technology "boss" also integrated into its product an interesting AI feature - "Add Me". This feature allows users to combine two separate group selfies into one, creating a photo with everyone.
The Pixel 9 Pro models will also get an upgraded version of Video Boost, which improves video recording. The new version will allow 4K video to be upscaled to 8K resolution, saved to Google's cloud storage, and sent back to the user's phone.
